Themed Christmas trees are a popular concept. Hallmark has produced different ornaments annually for so many years that one may have a fully decorated all-Hallmark tree each year. Exquisite Christopher Radko ornaments are collectible as well, and have been in production for so long that adding a new one every Christmas rewards the collector with a glorious tree.

It’s fun and challenging to create a tree with an all-nautical theme or all teddy bears and other toys. Trees representing a hobby, such as hunting, fishing, tennis or golf, are innovative, if not traditional.

Retired Lutheran pastor Paul Donner and wife Carol have decorated their tree with the same ornaments each year. And there is no way they are going to change the theme. The tree is a Chrismon tree that has been a tradition in the Lutheran Church since 1957 and in the Donner home for 22 years.

The tree is evergreen, symbolizing eternal life. It is lighted with tiny white lights and its branches bear gold and white Chrismons, symbols of Christianity from its earliest days. There may be an occasional small touch of color, such as red, a reminder of the blood of the crucified Christ.

Chrismons are not sold in stores; they are hand made from patterns that are printed in Chrismon booklets distributed in Lutheran churches.

The Donners’ ornaments were crafted by St. Paul parishioner Mary Anna Monroe, who supervised a committee of Altar Guild members who created the church’s Chrismon tree each year. The Donners have collected various Christian-themed ornaments, such as churches or Nativity sets from their travels, but their tree is basically a Monroe creation.

The basic Chrismon forms (see images in right column) are crosses, stars, earth symbols, plants and flowers, creatures of the earth, artifacts, numbers, geometric figures, monograms, letters and words. A Chrismon booklet of designs illustrates 17 styles of crosses, six of stars, and 16 plants and flowers. A tree can be laden with more than 60 Chrismons, plus countless symbols representing the teachings of Christ, including the Beatitudes, during His ministry on Earth.